Clients booking their holiday with Classic Escapes are able to download this essential holiday guide as part of our booking service.

The Classic Escapes Visitor Guide provides a range of suggested tours and itineraries to help inform your holiday in Cornwall & Devon. It's full of great ideas of places to visit, local information and, importantly, our recommendations of where to eat! Either follow the tours religiously or simply read through and dip in and out as you wish...

However you approach your holiday the Visitor Guide helps you get the most out of your time in the region.

As an example please find below a selected tour which takes you across the beautiful, bleak granite upland of Dartmoor...

Dartmoor

Distance: 50 miles
Duration: a half day is perfectly reasonable but a full day allows for time to linger...

Start the tour by spending a while wandering around Tavistock. This delightful market town, whose origins date back as far as the Saxons, has a wealth of individual specialist shops and may claim to be the ‘home’ of the cream tea. Visitors to the Abbey in mediaeval times were served this West country specialty - now part of any visitors enjoyment of the area.

Off the main streets are narrower side-streets featuring small bakers, book shops, antique shops and galleries. Do not miss the Pannier market (off Bedford Square) a fascinating mish-mash of different stalls, there has been a market on this site since 1105 although the present buildings are Victorian. In the arcade surrounding the market is Dukes Coffee House, perfect for a break or light lunch. Perhaps stroll the Abbey ruins ( destroyed by Henry VIII during his dissolution of the monasteries) or the banks of the lovely River Tavy past the weir and on into the meadows. Before leaving say hello to Sir Francis Drake - or at least his bronze statue. Famous son of the town -it stands close to his birthplace.

Buckland Abbey

Head out of Tavistock south to Yelverton and take a step back in time by visiting Buckland Abbey. Hidden away in its own secluded valley lies evidence of some 700 years existence. Medieval monks established a Cistercian monastery at the site which later was converted into a dwelling by Sir Richard Grenville. However, you have just met Buckland Abbey’s most famous resident in Tavistock; Sir Francis Drake lived here during the Armada period. With exhibitions, fully furnished rooms and ancient outbuildings, the Abbey provides a fascinating insight into the lives of those that once lived there.

Leave Buckland Abbey and head onto Dartmoor towards Princetown on the B3212. This 365 square mile, bleak granite upland is designated National parkland with its characteristic coarse, granite tors and large areas of isolated peat covered with purple gorse and heather. It is wild and beautiful providing rough grazing for the semi-wild Dartmoor ponies, also symbolic of this handsome area. Dartmoor provides many beautiful attractions and walks but respect must also be given to this natural, untamed moorland. Rapidly changing weather conditions, frequent low cloud and heavy rain and fog can take the unwary walker by surprise. It is no wonder Conan Doyle chose Dartmoor as the perfect setting for ‘The Hounds of the Baskervilles’ nor that the high security prison at Princetown was built. The inhospitable landscape surely adds to its effectiveness! However, it is the untamed nature of the moor that is its very attraction. It is an area largely unchanged in centuries of existence...

Haytor

Perhaps out of the car you can sample the miles of dramatic footpaths and enjoy walking some of the scenery taking in the distant hills and valleys. If going North, beware of the Ministry of Defence training area where live ammunition is used in the military exercises - so observe all warning signs!

Well worth a visit whilst passing through Princetown is the High Moorland Visitor centre which gives a great account of the local history and geology. Also in Princetown you will find the Plume of Feathers Inn dating back to 1785 it is Princeton’s oldest building and serves good food all day.

Pass the prison ( built originally to house French and American prisoners of war) on your left, a grey, austerely imposing sight built in 1806 that gave rise to the town and head for Two Bridges. Take a lunch stop at The Two Bridges Hotel and enjoy fine food and, for passengers, their specialty ale. Perhaps make a reservation for dinner this evening and enjoy cuisine from their award winning chef.

Continue your tour east, on the B3357, enjoying the fine moorland views to Dartmeet and see the medieval stone clapper bridge and river set against a wooded, glade. There is a good car park next to the river bank at Badgers Holt. Take time out and perhaps have a picnic or stroll along the riverbank and take the compulsory commemorative photo of your companion on the clapper bridge.

Back in the car, head for Widecombe-in-the-Moor ( there is a left turn about 2 miles beyond Dartmeet which is easy to miss - keep your eyes peeled !) via pretty villages such as Ponsworthy and prepare for a fantastic panoramic view as you come down the hill towards the well-known beauty spot. Park up in one of the areas set aside for taking in the view and, just look.....! Dependent on cloud cover you will see the most spectacular scene left to right up an enchanting valley with Widecombe nestling in the centre. Perhaps take a stroll to one of the rocky, outcrops just off the road and climb up to gain an even better vantage point.

Once back in the car, suitably inspired, drive down the steep hill into the village and park up, meet the ponies that invariably munch on the grass outside the church and have a wander around the many gift shops. Enjoy reading about Tom Pearce and the old grey mare and explore the church and graveyard, maybe seeking out one of the characters from the song. Widecombe has several excellent tea shops to enjoy a cream tea and a cake if the fresh air has restored your appetite again. Alternatively try The Old Inn a 14c. Pub serving traditional food, right opposite the Church.

Widecombe in the Moor - home of Uncle Tom Cobley and all!

Head out of Widecombe in the direction of Haytor - one of the most imposing tors on the moor. Climb the tor and again marvel at the views. Stone has been quarried from Dartmoor with the biggest venues being Haytor and Foggintor (where stone for Nelson’s column was quarried) but today use it as a wonderful vantage point for viewing the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Having descended from Haytor find your way to Becky Falls where beautiful cascading water falls will bring a different insight into Dartmoor. Enjoy the woodland walks and wildlife discovery trail. Perhaps a coffee is what your’e after - enjoy refreshment at the Falls before heading off again North, to North Bovey and then Moretonhampstead.

Before returning to your accommodation or heading for the venue of your evening meal, try to fit in a visit to Castle Drogo. Built by Indian tea baron Julius Drewe’s between 1910 and 1930, Castle Drogo was his dream home and is a remarkable folly and example of work by Sir Edward Lutyens. This great country house stands more than 900 feet overlooking the River Teign with a stunning view of Dartmoor. Enjoy walking the terraced garden, woodland spring garden and herbaceous borders before plotting your route back across beautiful moorland having experienced a delightful day on Dartmoor.

Classic car in a classic location - Hound Tor, nr. Widecombe

Supposedly the inspiration for Conan Doyles masterpiece. According to local legend, phantom hounds were seen racing across the moor here to hurl themselves on the tomb of a much hated squire following his death in 1677.

 

Suggested Eating Places

Coombe House, Hotel & Restaurant - Gittisham, Exeter.
Devon Restaurant of the Year 2006 - Taste of the West. Country Hotel of the Year 2007 - South West Tourism. Silver Award for the National Enjoy England for Excellence Awards - Small Hotel of the Year. Masterchefs of Great Britain - Michelin Rising Star Award 2008. South West Tourism Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11.
www.combehousedevon.com
Tel: 01404 540 400

Jack in the Green Inn - Rockbeare, Exeter
South West Tourism Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Taste of the West - Best Restaurant in the South West 2009/10. 2 AA Rosettes. Alistair Sawdays Special Pubs 2009. National Restaurant of the Year Awards top 100 (80th). Which Good Food Guide recommended 2009/10. Michelin Bib Gourmand Red Guide 2010.
www.jackinthegreen.uk.com
Tel: 01404 822 240.

Michael Caines at ABode, Royal Clarence Hotel, Exeter
South West Tourism Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11
www.michaelcaines.com
Tel: 01392 223 638

Gidleigh Park, Chagford
International reputation for service, food and extensive wine list. Head Chef Michael Caines MBE - 2 Michelin stars. Simply one of the finest restaurants and finest country house hotels in the UK
www.gidleigh.com
Tel: 01647 432 367

22 Mill Street, Chagford
2 AA rosettes. South West Tourism Trenchermans’ Guide recommended 2010/11. Michelin, the Good Food Guide, AA and Harden Restaurant Guide recommended.
www.22millst.com
Tel: 01647 432 244

Agaric, Ashburton
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Very able chef. Highly thought of. www.agaricrestaurant.co.uk Tel: 01364 654 478 The Horn of Plenty - Gulworthy, Tavistock - 3 AA Rosettes. Very well thought of by past clients. South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Best Restaurant in Devon - Good Food Guide 2006. AA Guide 3 Rosettes - 1991 to date.
www.thehornofplenty.co.uk
Tel: 01822 832 528

The Dartmoor Inn, Lydford, Okehampton
'Good Hotel Guide' Ceasar Award winner. South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11.
www.dartmoorinn.com
Tel: 01822 820 221

Blagdon Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Ashwater, Holsworthy
AA 3 Red Stars & 2 Rosettes and the Good Hotel Guides ‘Country Hotel of the Year’ 2006. South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. AA 5 Star Restaurant with Rooms.
www.blagdon.com
Tel: 01409 211 224.

* Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown, Okehampton
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2007/08. ’Jason is an extremely talented and entertaining chef. Tried and recommended. Experience Jason’s Purple Carrot private dining experience...’
www.purple-carrot.co.uk
Tel: 01566 783 222

The Arundell Arms, Lifton
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Recent Good Food Guide - ‘Devon Restaurant of the Year. AA 2 Rosettes. Master Chef of Great Britain.
www.arundellarms.com
Tel: 01566 784 666

Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot, Tavistock
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2007/08. The Good Hotel Guide 2010. Sister hotel to Olga Polizzi’s highly acclaimed Hotel Tresanton, St. Mawes in Cornwall. Clients speak very highly of this venue as both a hotel and food venue.
www.hotelendsleigh.com
Tel: 01822 870 000

Bovey Castle Hotel, North Bovey, Dartmoor.
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Clients speak very highly of this venue as both a hotel and food venue. Five star ‘Enjoy England’ rated country house hotel
www.boveycastle.com Tel: 0844 474 0077

Percy’s Country Hotel, Virginstow.
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Hardens Uk Restaurant Guide 2009. Taste of the West Gold Award for Restaurant 2008.
www.percys.co.uk
Tel: 01409 211 236

Prince Hall Hotel, Yelverton.
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11.
www.princehall.co.uk
Tel: 01822 890 403.

Tanners Restaurant, Plymouth.
South West Tourism’s Trenchermans Guide recommended - 2010/11. Voted AA Restaurant of the Year in England 2007/08. Harden Restaurant Guide 2010.
www.tannersrestaurant.com
Tel: 01752 252001.

* Tried and Recommended by Cornwall Classic Car Hire, others by reputation/awards

Useful websites for planning your visit

Classic Escapes
The very best places to stay, visit, eat and things to do in Cornwall & Devon

Indulge Southwest
Luxury holiday information in the South West region

Ccornish Accredited Restaurants
Good restaurant guide in Cornwall

Trenchermans Guide
Restaurant, hotel & restaurant and restaurant with rooms - by invitation based on consistently high ratings across top, international publications such as The Michelin Guide, The Good Food Guide and the AA Restaurant Guide.